Students identify and analyze the books they read as part of the curriculum this year. Then they will create a summer reading list for next year's students that will help them prepare for the upcoming school year.

PROCESS:

As a class, make a list containing each of the books students read as part of the curriculum during the current school year. Have students analyze the list to identify trends. For instance, are most of the books fiction or non-fiction? Do they deal with specific topics? When they read the books, did instruction focus on developing the plot, analyzing characters, following dialogue or some other important element of literature?

Point out that these trends explain why they read these specific books. The books were an interesting way to cover what they needed to learn this year.

Tell students to think of other books they've read that could accomplish these same goals. Challenge them to compile their ideas to create a summer reading list for next year's students that will help them prepare for the upcoming school year.

ASSESSMENT:

Invite students to share their ideas with the class. Challenge them to explain why they selected a specific book and how it will help next year's students prepare for the grade-level curriculum.

CUSTOMIZE THE LESSON:

Grades 3-4:
Brainstorm a list of books as a class. Challenge students to identify two to three books that address each main topic or literary element covered during the school year. Type the final list of books and distribute it to students who will be in your grade next year.

Grades 5-6:
Brainstorm a list of books as a class. Challenge students to identify two to three books that address each main topic or literary element covered during the school year. Have students write brief reviews of their favorite books on the list. Type the final list of books, including students' reviews. Distribute the list to students who will be in your grade next year.

Grades 7-8:
Divide the class into small groups. Challenge each group to identify four or five books that address each main topic or literary element covered during the school year. Have group members write a brief summary of each book on the list. Then have them type up their final list, including the summaries. Compile the information into one master list and post it online for students who will be in your grade next year.

Grades 9-10:
Divide the class into small groups. Challenge each group to identify four or five books that address each main topic or literary element covered during the school year. Have group members write a brief summary and a critical review of each book on the list. In their reviews, encourage them to identify how each book will help students prepare for next year's curriculum. Then have each group type up its final list, including the summaries and reviews. Compile the information into one master list and post it online for students who will be in your grade next year.